Rugged 2025 Honda Pilot Adds Black Edition with More Aggressive Look and Upscale Cabin

• Pilot is the ultimate family SUV with rugged styling and a class-leading combination of off-road capability and nimble on-road dynamics

•Pilot TrailSport: most rugged and off-road capable Honda SUV, with special off-road features engineered to get weekend adventurers further off the beaten path

•Pilot Sport is exceptionally well-equipped with a starting MSRP of $39,9001

The updated 2025 Honda Pilot, the largest and most powerful 3-row SUV in Honda history, begins arriving at Honda dealerships today with an exciting new Black Edition featuring exclusive exterior and interior styling enhancementsthat distinguish it from the rest of the Pilot family. Pilot's six well-equipped trim levels include the Pilot TrailSport, the most rugged and off-road capable Honda SUV ever, with standard all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, higher ground clearance, off-road tuned suspension and more.

Pilot's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) begins with the Pilot Sport at $39,9001 (not including $1,395 destination and handling charge).

'Adding the Black Edition to the Honda Pilot really ensures that our ultimate family SUV continues to set the benchmark in the midsize 3-row SUV class,' said Lance Woelfer, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 'With a top-of class combination of rugged design, off-road capability and nimble on-road dynamics, Pilot is ready for that next great family adventure.'

New Black Edition

Positioned above the Trailsport and Elite in the Pilot lineup, the new Black Edition takes the midsize 3-row SUV's style to new heights with a more aggressive look that includes Gloss Black 20-inch alloy wheels, a Gloss Black grille bar and upper side mirror housings, blackout treatments for the front fascia ducts, window trim, door garnishes and rear bumper garnish, plus Black Edition badges on the grille and tailgate. Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (iVTM-4®) all-wheel-drive system is standard.

Inside, the new Black Edition's premium look and feel continues with exclusive styling enhancements. The Black Edition is the only Pilot trim with red-accented perforated leather seating, red contrast stitching on the steering wheel, seats and door panels, and red accent lighting illuminating the dash, doors and center console. The Black Edition logo is embossed on the front seats and floor mats.

Pilot TrailSport

Pilot TrailSport brings even more off-road capability to the Pilot lineup. Exclusive rugged hardware includes expanded all-wheel drive capabilities and a raised off-road tuned suspension with additional ground clearance, increased articulation and improved off-road ride quality, all without sacrificing Pilot's exceptional on-road comfort and best-in-class handling. Robust steel skid plates protect the underbody from damage on the trail.

The TrailSport also includes all-terrain tires, which take its rugged capabilities even further – substantially improving traction in dirt, sand, mud, rocky terrain and snow – but remain quiet and comfortable on the road. TrailSport's unique 18-inch wheels have a rugged look and are carefully designed to reduce the likelihood of trail damage.

In the cabin, TrailSport stands out with rugged details including exclusive orange contrast stitching on the steering wheel, door panels and seats, and the TrailSport logo embroidered on the front seat head restraints and molded onto its standard all-season rubber floor mats. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility, Qi-compatible wireless charging, four USB-C charging ports and a sliding panoramic sunroof are standard.

Safety for Everyone

Based on Honda's long standing 'Safety for Everyone' approach, advancing safety for everyone sharing the road, all 2025 Pilot models are equipped with the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) incorporating Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS); and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Special Option Packages

Pilot can be customized with several post-production option packages, including the popular HPD Package. Designed to evoke Honda's racing DNA, the HPD Package adds to Pilot's rugged appearance aggressive black- or bronze-colored HPD wheels, HPD center caps, lower-door trim and special HPD graphics (starting at $2,000 for TrailSport). Available on all Pilot trims, it's one of several post-production option packages specially tailored for the 2025 Pilot.

Pilot Manufacturing

Every fourth-generation Pilot is built in America*, exclusively at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant in Lincoln, Alabama, continuing the 40-year legacy of Honda's commitment to build products close to the customer. Since 2006, Honda has produced more than 2 million Pilots in the U.S.

* using domestic and globally-sourced parts

by Honda

Debuted in 2003, the Honda Pilot is a full-size crossover SUV that replaced the Honda Passport. Attempting to establish itself in the SUV market segment for its own line of cars, Honda had created the Passport, which was basically a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo. The compact CR-V, loosely based on the Civic was the only other SUV. With its roomy cabin and impressive three rows of seating that could hold up to eight passengers, the larger Pilot found a nice niche for itself in the automotive market. One of the first crossover SUV's to offer three rows, the Pilot helped to define a new segment aimed at buyers wanting plenty of seating and cargo options without buying a minivan or top-heavy SUV. With Honda's exceptional reputation for reliability and quality along with an efficient V6 engine, the Pilot quickly rose popularity and more than 100,000 models were sold by its second year on the market.

Mostly aimed at the North American market, the Pilots are currently manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama and produced in Alliston, Ontario, Canada until April 2007. In Japan and Australia, the Pilots relative, the MDX was sold instead. The Pilot is sold as the Honda MR-V in the Middle East. Russia and Ukraine have received the second generation Pilot.

When designing the Pilot, Honda took styling cues from the Accord sedan and the Acura MDX which itself was based on the Odyssey minivan. Perfect for light off-road use and towing the Pilot was a comfortable ride with excellent handling. Currently the Pilot is in its second generation and comes in base LX, midlevel EX, upper-class EX-L, and the top of the line Touring trims. All of these models come with a standard front-wheel-drive configuration, though four-wheel drive at each trim level could be added as an option. All of the trims featured power from a 250-hp, 3.6-liter V6 mated with a five-speed automatic transmission.

At the time, many other SUVs sat on truck platforms while the Pilot rode on a platform borrowed from the Odyssey, Accord and the MDX. This platform featured a comfortable car-like feel thanks to a unibody design and a suspension tuned to provide responsive handling. The original Pilot came on a 106.3 inch wheelbase and had an overall length of 188 inches. Though convenient for numerous passengers, the third row seat didn't leave much legroom for the average adult while the second row did provide abundant legroom for all but the tallest of adults. Able to fit cargo within excess of up to four feet wide, the Pilot rear seat split 60/40 and both rows could be folded flat to expand that cargo space. The seats in the Pilot are configured as stadium seating.

Originally the Pilot was available in LX and EX trim levels. Both levels were nicely equipped with numerous standard features like a climate-control system with rear vents, cruise control and power windows and locks. The EX also came with automatic climate control, keyless entry, multifunction steering wheel and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

Driver's that opted for the EX-L trim received a leather upholstery package to the EX trim level and had the option of navigation and DVD entertainment system.

Borrowing the engine from the Acura MDX, the first generation Pilot featured a 3.5-liter aluminum V6 engine that produced 240 hp and was mated to a five-speed automatic. It was able to achieve 0-6mph in just 7.6 second and managed a competent 16/22 mph for FWD trims and 15/20 for 4WD trims. With a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds, the Pilot featured an optional Variable Torque Management 4WD system that sent torque to all four wheels when a slippage was detected, but defaulted to front-wheel-driver operation during normal driving conditions. The system had a dashboard switch that locks both rear half-shafts to get the driver unstuck. It operates in first, second and reverse gears and unlocks at 18 mph.

Safety features included antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, rack-and-pinion steering and dual-stage front airbags. It also features 282° of outward visibility. A highly rigid unibody the Pilot foundation features reinforcing structures and energy absorbing crush zones and is designed to dorm progressively in front, side and rear end collisions. Receiving a top score of Good from the IIHS the Pilot also received from five out of five stars in both front and side crash tests conducted by the NHTSA.

For 2004 heated front seats were added as a standard feature for EX-L trims. The following year power was boosted for the Pilot's 3.5-liter V6 engine to 255 hp.

The Pilot underwent a halfway through generation refresh that included a variety of exterior updates. The front fascia and grille was updated and the headlights received halogen projector headlights while the taillights received clear lenses. On the inside a brand-new center console and instrument cluster were debuted. The 4WD system was updated to be more fuel-efficient and now featured variable valve management added to the V6 engine which shut down three of the six cylinders when cruising to improve the fuel economy. The updated V6 engine was now rated 18/24 by the EPA. The original EX wheels were moved to the LX trim while the EX trim level received newly redesigned wheels. Side airbags were now provided in the C pillar further protecting rear passengers. The center console now sported chrome trim; the gauge cluster was updated along with the storage compartments and cup holders.

In 2008 the second-generation of the Pilot was introduced. It featured a much more rugged appearance which was met with mixed reviews since some desired the boxier, bulkier look while others missed the smoother, rounded lines from the previous generation.

On the outside of the Pilot updates includes a tall oversize grille, bigger 17-inch wheels and a higher hood line. The headlights returned to standard halogen reflectors. On the inside numerous changes were made, as a new tri-zone automatic climate control system was introduced and new two-position memory settings for the drivers. Other updates included a new power tailgate and the relocation of the gearshift from the steering column to the center console between the front captain's chairs. The Touring trim now featured a new Satellite-Linked Honda Navigation System and a new 120-volt power outlet. The wheelbase was increased to 109.2 inches and the overall length spread to 190.9 inches. Thankfully this generation added more interior space by growing in length and now featured more legroom in the rear seat.

This generation was assembled at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama. This year also brought with it a brand new top-of-the-line Touring trim and a new 250-hp, 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 borrowed from the Accord. Transforming to more SUV and less sedan-like the Honda reduced the Pilots turning ratio to improve maneuverability in tight spaces like parking lots, and strengthened the Pilot's body to increase rigidity. According to the EPA, fuel economy is 17 mph city and 23 mph highway for front wheel drive transmission and 16 mph city and 22 mph highway for the 4-wheel drive transmission. Both of these transmissions are five-speed automatics. The Pilot was awarded the Best Resale Value Award in the Full-Size Utility Vehicle category in 2010 by Kelley Blue Book.

The Pilot was updated for 2012 and received a newly revamped front fascia. Other updates included all new alloy wheels, interior updates and changes to the bumper. The following year a host of great extras were introduced as standard on all Pilots and included a rearview backup camera, USB connector, Bluetooth hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming, tri-zone climate control and i-MID central dashboard 8-inch WQVGA LCD screen. The Pilot now uses Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering front bracket.

The Pilot features a proficient off-road system that included three individual systems: Hill Start Assist Control system, Grade Logic Control system and the Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive system with locking differential. When the system senses a loss of traction the Variable Torque Management all-wheel-drive system automatically engages. The driver can engage the system with its manually locking rear differential and the system will continue to stay engaged up to 18 mph, or is moved from first, second, or reverse gears, then unlocks and goes back to the automatic engaging. The Hill Start Assist system keep brake pressure when the brake pedal is released which gives the driver time to engage the accelerator. The Grade Logic Systems holds the engine in a lower gear when on steep incline for better hill-climbing torque and increased engine braking when traversing steep inclines. The Pilot's AWD system allows it to wade through 19 inches of water.

From 2003 through 2008 the Honda Pilot was awarded Best Large SUV by Car and Driver magazine. Intellichoice called it 'Best Value of the Year' while Edmunds.com claimed it was 'Most Wanted SUV'. AMI Auto World dubbed it the 'World Family Vehicle of the Year'.

The Pilots biggest competition comes from category contenders like the Nissan Murano, Ford Flex, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Pilot

http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2003/Honda/Pilot

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Honda-Pilot-Overview-d594

by Jessican Donaldson